Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)Looking to lose that spare tire? Ideal weight 200+? Frustrated being a large cyclist in a sport geared for the ultra-light? Learn about the bikes and parts that can take the abuse of a heavier cyclist, how to keep your body going while losing the weight, and get support from others who've been successful.

I switched my saddle the other day in the never-ending quest to find a better fit. So I put on a no-name sprung saddle that's similar to the cheap vinyl Brooks saddles you sometimes find on old Raleighs. These are comfortable--but heavy--saddles and I rode at lease six miles on an untraveled rout of discovery. My bum has been unhappy with me and after the ride it was pretty happy, but the springs seemed too much for my back and sides. Often while pedaling id get this bouncing action going, a popping up and down in the seat that seemed to rob me of my power a little bit. I'd pedal along and the bouncing would grow according to my cadence. It was somewhat irritating, but man those springs did iron out the harsh bumps though. I'm still feeling it in my sides and back 3 days later. Well I guess the search continues. Soon a Brooks B-17... soon.

If you want a springer saddle, go for the real deal and get a Brooks at Wallingford Bicycle. They have a 6 month return policy if you don't like it. Plus, I'm going to venture a guess and say that the springs on a Brooks are probably higher quality and heavier compression than on a knock-off, so you won't experience the harmonic bouncing that you did with the current saddle. (Anyone with a sprung Brooks who can back me up in this line of reasoning?)

You definitely must have a really high cadence to experience any bouncing on a sprung Brooks. I have a champion flyer special and got it when I weighed 330, I am at about 300 now and I love it. You really don't notice the springs being there from normal riding, but they help to soak up a lot of the bigger bumps.

If I get my cadence up really high I do get a little bit of a bounce, though I get the same sensation on any saddle when my cadence gets too fast.